Understanding Opioid Abuse Recovery

Heroin, morphine, and narcotic painkillers are types of opioids. While heroin is considered an illicit substance, morphine and prescription pain relievers (such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percocet) are medications that are often prescribed to individuals grappling with mild to moderate to severe pain. Regardless of the reasons why and how a person comes to use these substances, they are all generally considered highly addictive when abused.

When consumed orally, smoked, snorted, or injected, opioids affect a person’s brain and central nervous system by suppressing sensations of pain. When these substances are taken outside of the recommendations of doctors for recreational use, opioids can also cause feelings of euphoria and relaxation. These feelings are what entice users to continue their patterns of abuse, which often results in addiction. Should the abuse of an opioid progress, tolerance for the given drug develops and opioid abusers then require larger quantities or higher dosages of the substance they are abusing. When this occurs, intense withdrawal symptoms will likely emerge, making it more difficult for an individual to abstain from the abuse of opioids.

Fortunately, there are several treatment options available that can break the cycle of an opioid addiction. Medication-assisted treatment, one of the most effective recovery options in existence, is a form of treatment that involves the use of certain medications that are designed keep withdrawal, cravings, and the harmful effects of opioids at bay so that the individual addicted to the substance can work on recovery. When this type of treatment is received at the same time as other therapeutic interventions, such as individual and group therapy, those addicted to opioids can come to know a life that is not hindered due to the abuse of a substance.

At Indiana Comprehensive Treatment Centers, we want to help you get your life back. The medication-assisted treatment we offer is both safe and effective in helping men and women overcome an addiction to opioids. The individual and group therapy opportunities we provide only further the likelihood that those receiving treatment at our centers will achieve lasting recovery. If you are looking for a center that can supply truly effective care, look no further than Indiana Comprehensive Treatment Centers. We are here to help.

Indiana Comprehensive Treatment Centers are a network of outpatient providers that offer an array of medically supervised medication-assisted treatment options for those who wish to overcome an addiction to or dependence upon opioids. Men and women, aged 18 and older, who have been abusing opioids for one year or more can partake in our services. Our experienced and professional staff is comprised of doctors, nurses, and counselors who work with clients to determine the most appropriate dosage of any medication prescribed and any additional therapeutic interventions that will further the recovery process.

The medications and therapeutic interventions that could be part of a client’s treatment can include the following:

Methadone: Methadone is a medication that prevents cravings and the withdrawal symptoms that are known to occur after a person ceases his or her use of opioids. Those prescribed methadone will not experience the high that occurs when a person consumes a prescription painkiller, as methadone is an opioid agonist. The dosage of this medication, which is taken daily, is determined based on each client’s needs.

Suboxone: Containing buprenorphine and naloxone, Suboxone reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Unlike other medication-assisted treatments, this medication can also trigger symptoms of withdrawal should an individual attempt to abuse an opioid while taking Suboxone. Suboxone is typically consumed daily and the dosage will be determined based on the treatment needs of the individual.

Subutex: With buprenorphine as the active ingredient, Subutex lessens cravings and diminishes withdrawal symptoms by blocking the harmful effects of opioids within an individual’s brain. Subutex is classified as a partial opioid agonist-antagonist, meaning the effects of consuming an opioid are blocked, yet the withdrawal symptoms are decreased in order to allow a person to work on his or her recovery. Daily consumption of this medication is part of this type of treatment and the amount taken each day is recommended by one of our highly qualified doctors.

Vivitrol: Vivitrol is a non-narcotic, non-addictive medication-assisted treatment option. This medication is delivered via injection to reduce cravings for opioids. Naltrexone is the active ingredient and this treatment option is typically administered once per month.

Individual and group therapy: In order to enhance the effectiveness of the medication-assisted treatments we offer, Indiana Comprehensive Treatment Centers provide individual and group therapy sessions. Individual therapy sessions occur one-on-one with a counselor and can be a time when clients process their feelings and emotions with regard to their own recovery. Group therapy sessions are also conducted by counselors and can feature a wide range of topics covered. Other clients participate in group therapy sessions so that the men and women receiving treatment at our centers can feel a strong sense of support and encouragement from others who have endured similar struggles.

Why Consider Treatment

Why Consider Indiana Comprehensive Treatment Centers for Opioid Abuse

When an individual descends into the trenches of an opioid addiction, it can often seem as though the destructive pattern of substance abuse is inescapable. However, with many effective treatment options in existence, there is no reason for an individual to have to remain in the vicious cycle of an opioid addiction. And while the decision to engage in such treatment may seem daunting, scary, or anxiety-provoking, seeking and receiving treatment can prevent a person addicted to opioids from experiencing a whole host of adversities.

Among the many negative effects known to arise when a person does not seek to recover from an opioid addiction, the costs to an individual’s mental and physical health can be significant. Should a person suffer from a mental illness and struggle with an addiction to opioid, it is likely that that individual will experience worsening symptoms. Exacerbated symptoms of mental health conditions can make the process of recovery even more cumbersome and add to the turmoil that that person is probably already experiencing. Furthermore, long-term opioid abuse can, when mental health concerns exist, lead to the development of suicidal ideation. Just as alarming is the potential for the health risks that can arise when an individual is battling an opioid addiction. Vital organ damage coupled with the ever-present risk for overdose are what can make an addiction to opioids fatal.

However, what men and women addicted to opioids need to know is that a chemical dependency concern of this kind does not have to be a permanent part of life. There is help available.

“I started treatment just a couple of months ago, and my life is already back on track. I got back to work and have reconnected with my family. Things continue to improve for me, and I owe a lot of that to this treatment center.”